Chairholders
Profile
Serge Payette
Department of Biology
Université Laval
Chair title
NSERC Northern Research Chair on Disturbance Ecology
Chair program
Northern Research Chair Program
Role
Senior Chairholder since 2003
Summary
The Northern Research Chair in Disturbance Ecology investigates questions regarding the nature and interactions of ecological processes that influence the dynamic equilibrium of northern ecosystems. We are particularly interested in the response of north-eastern North America's ecosystems to climate change and natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The Northern Research Chair Program includes two primary focuses:
- The dynamics of northern ecosystems and disturbances; and
- The restoration of disturbed sites in northern villages.
The principal objective of the Chair is to analyze and better understand the mechanisms related to the ecological disturbances that influence the structure, function, and equilibrium of northern ecosystems under present and anticipated climate change. The primary study areas are within Nunavik and Nunavut.
In addition, the Chair has two other specific objectives:
- To document the sub-Arctic forest ecosystem fragmentation, establish their relationship with climate change and biodiversity, and study the processes of succession that influence the stability and resilience of these ecosystems; and
- To establish a research program based on experiments within both greenhouses and the natural environment in order to accelerate vegetation restoration under various environmental conditions and to evaluate these experiments in order to propose management solutions for other northern communities.
Partners
- Localité de Radisson
- Grand Council of the Crees
- Kativik Regional Government
- Hydro-Québec
Contact information
Department of Biology
Université Laval
Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, room 4054
CP 2208, succ. Terminus
Québec, Québec
G1K 7P4
Tel.: 418-656-7538
Fax: 418-656-2043
Email: serge.payette@bio.ulaval.ca
